Minister of State & Foreign Affairs of Portugal Mr. Paulo Rangel met with the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at the Prime Minister’s Office On 24th February, 2026

During the discussion the attention was drawn to explore potential collaborations across multiple sectors of mutual interest while focusing on in-depth discussions on strengthening cooperation in the tourism sector. Climate change and its impacts were also discussed extensively, with emphasis on shared vulnerabilities and the need for collective action.

The Prime Minister highlighted opportunities for collaboration in education, particularly in research, innovation, and technology development.

The meeting was attended by the H.E. João Ribeiro de Almeida Ambassador of Portugal to Sri Lanka, Dr. Alexandra Bilreiro, Deputy Political Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, Dr. Filipe Ramalho Ortigão , Chief of Staff of the Minister. The Sri Lankan delegation included Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister and Mr. Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary (Development) and the officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that enhancing energy efficiency is an essential factor in strengthening the country’s economy, and that it is not merely about limiting consumption but about making a distinctive contribution to the national development process.

The Prime Minister made these remarks on 24th of February while addressing the Sri Lanka National Energy Efficiency Awards Ceremony, organized jointly by the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority and the Ministry of Power and Energy, held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall.

The awards ceremony was held under the theme “Energy Efficiency: Refueling the Economy” and during the event, Mr. Jeewaka Thushara of the World Trade Center Colombo was recognized as the Outstanding Energy Manager. Gold Awards for Energy Efficiency were presented to the National Cleaner Production Centre, Forbes Marshall Lanka, World Trade Center Colombo, BiC and DENTA Manufacturing, and MAS Fabrics Thulhiriya.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that reducing energy waste would help save foreign exchange and contribute to stabilizing the national economy.

She further noted,

Public and private sector institutions that demonstrated high levels of energy efficiency over the past year deserve special recognition. Promoting effective energy management across all sectors from large-scale industries to small and medium enterprises is critically important.

The Prime Minister further noted that, as a country committed to international agreements such as the Paris Agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating global warming, Sri Lanka places strong emphasis on adopting new technological approaches, expanding renewable energy sources, and ensuring long-term energy security.

Addressing at the event, Minister of Power and Energy Engineer Kumara Jayakody stated that the government aims to increase the share of renewable energy to 70 percent by 2030. He explained that reforms are being implemented under a national policy framework to transform inefficient and pollution-prone institutional structures, and that the restructuring of the Ceylon Electricity Board has reached its final phase. The Minister added that those who benefited from irregular practices are unsettled by the government’s reform agenda, as such gains can no longer be sustained.

He further affirmed that transparent and proper procurement processes are being followed to ensure that the people of Sri Lanka fully benefit from improved energy efficiency.

The event was attended by the Deputy Minister Engineer Arkam Ilyas, Secretary to the Ministry Professor Udayanga Hemapala, along with a number of distinguished guests.

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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya made these remarks while participating in the latest publication of the Bandaranaike Center for International Studies (BCIS) titled Reimagining International Relations from a Global South held on the 24 February 2026 at the BCIS Auditorium.

Authored by Emeritus Professor Gamini Keerawella, former Senior Professor of History at the University of Peradeniya and a member of the BCIS Council of Management and Academic Affairs Board, the book ’Reimagining International Relations from a Global South Perspective’ offers a compelling re-examination of International Relations through a distinctly Global South perspective.

Congratulating on the publication, the Prime Minister stated that the publication represents a timely and important intervention in understanding how the Global South’s international relations and international policy has evolved and traces the many different pathways. She further noted that this volume invites for re-imagine international relations as a genuinely plural and it doesn’t necessarily only go for the discipline of international relations, that is something that applies to all disciplines.

The occasion was attended by the former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Chairperson of BCIS, Deputy Minister of Mass Media Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne, members of the diplomatic community, representatives of the Bandaranaike National Memorial Foundation Board of Management, members of the BCIS governing bodies, and invited scholars and practitioners.

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The contribution made by Victor Rathnayake to Sri Lanka’s musical landscape is immeasurable

A special ceremony honoring Victor Rathnayake was organized by the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation under the title “Subhawita Githaye Situvarayano...Abhinandabhishekaya of Dr. Victor Rathnayake”. The event was held on February 24 under the patronage of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya at the Kumaratunga Munidasa Auditorium of the Broadcasting Corporation.

The objective of the program was to honour the invaluable service rendered by Dr. Victor Rathnayake over more than six decades to Sri Lanka’s music sector and to the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation. As a mark of appreciation, a portrait of Dr. Victor Rathnayake was also unveiled within the premises of the Broadcasting Corporation.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

“I am an admirer of Dr. Victor Rathnayake. Therefore this very moment is special to me. I never imagined that I would one day have the opportunity to pay tribute to you so closely. This is a deeply joyful, and historic moment for me.

For more than sixty years, you have rendered a service to Sri Lanka’s music sphere that cannot be expressed in words. The first concert I watched during my childhood was your solo concert ’Sa’, which also holds the record as the most frequently staged solo musical concert in the country.

It was your songs that nurtured my love for the Sinhala language. Songs such as ’Kurullanta Gee Gayanna Obe Kata Handa Denna’ and ’Sangava Ganu Mena Sonduriya’ presented the aspect of love with subtlety and rare beauty. It is through these music that I have understood that music and the richness of language have the power to take us into a completely different world.

The concepts of harmony embedded within these songs are something we must speak about more. Through the musical composition and rendition of songs such as ’Oba Yana Gamane Mavatha Ahura’ created for the film ’Sarungale’, you naturally introduced us to the beauty of diverse cultures.

Truly, as a nation, we are extremely fortunate to have received a priceless treasure like you.

The Prime Minister further noted that the special moments of people’s lives in this country are closely intertwined with the creations of Victor Rathnayake.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya also extended her best wishes for good health and long life to Dr. Victor Rathnayake, who celebrated his 84th birthday on February 18. She expressed her gratitude to the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation for organizing such an event and stated that, despite the many challenges faced by the institution amid growing competition in the media sector, she firmly believes the Corporation possesses the strength to overcome them and move forward.

The Prime Minister also specially appreciated the Broadcasting Corporation’s efforts to honor living legends of Sri Lanka’s arts and culture.

The event was attended by the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senavi; Deputy Minister of Mass Media Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne; Dr. Rathna Sri Wijesinghe; Chairman of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation Senior Professor Uditha Gayashan Gunasekara; family members of Dr. Victor Rathnayake; his fans; and many other distinguished guests.

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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya attended the special ceremony marking the 40th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Nippon Educational and Cultural Centre (SNECC), along with the 75th birthday of its Secretary General, the Chief Incumbent of Sri Mahindaramaya, Ethul Kotte, the Chief Sangha Nayake of the Western Province, and scholar Ven. Meegahathenna Chandrasiri Thero.

The primary objective of the event was to appreciate the service rendered by the Sri Lanka Nippon Educational and Cultural Centre, which has functioned as a bridge between Japan and Sri Lanka since 1986, contributing significantly to the development and welfare of children in Sri Lanka.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister stated that the social service carried out by Ven. Meegahathenna Chandrasiri Thero through the Nippon Centre, aimed at fulfilling the educational aspirations of Sri Lankan children, is highly commendable. She further emphasized that the Centre’s contribution to nurturing skilled children into disciplined and responsible citizens, as well as strengthening cultural ties between the two countries, is appreciated by the Government.

Over the past four decades, thousands of students have benefited from the “Nippon Scholarship” programme implemented by the Centre. In addition to providing school supplies, monthly financial assistance, medical support, and spectacles, the programme offers Japanese language education and guidance for employment and training opportunities in Japan for Sri Lankan youth. Annual study tours to Japan and collaborative programmes organized to enhance mutual understanding between students of the two countries were also highlighted at the event.

Marking this special occasion, the Prime Minister extended her best wishes to Ven. Ven. Meegahathenna Chandrasiri Thero on his 75th birthday and wished him continued strength to successfully carry forward this invaluable service.

The event was attended by the Mayor of Kotte, Arosha Atapattu, representatives of sponsoring organizations from Japan, scholarship recipients, and other distinguished guests.

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The 169th birth anniversary celebration of Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of the World Scouting Movement, and World Scout Thinking Day, was held on 22 February at the National Scout Headquarters, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister emphasized that the Scouting Movement is not merely about holding positions, but a noble form of training that nurtures readiness to help others and to serve society while “being prepared."

She further highlighted the importance of serving society as a disciplined and intelligent “smart” Scout who respects others while effectively using modern technology. The Prime Minister also called upon Scouts to contribute responsibly to safeguarding the nation’s future through environmentally friendly initiatives such as tree planting and the protection of water resources.

During the event, laptops were symbolically distributed to several districts under the Scout Digitalization Project, along with the provision of first-aid kits. Additionally, Chief Scout Commissioner Attorney-at-Law Manoj Nanayakkara presented the Prime Minister with a special Scout stamp collection and a commemorative cover.

The occasion was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr.Pradeep Saputhanthri, officials of the Sri Lanka Scout Association, and a large number of Scouts from across the island.

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